How to Apply for a Driving Licence in India- Online/Offline

In today’s world, owning a vehicle has become a necessity rather than a luxury. Whether for daily commuting, business use, or personal errands, vehicles are an integral part of our daily lives. However, to operate a motor vehicle legally in India, it is essential to hold a valid driving licence issued by the government.

If you have attained the legal driving age, the first step is to apply for a learner’s licence, which allows you to practice driving while learning the rules of the road. Once you're confident and meet the required conditions, you can proceed to apply for a permanent driving licence. This can be done by visiting your nearest Regional Transport Office (RTO) or through the government's online portal, which has made the process easier and more convenient.

Types of Driving Licences in India

India offers different types of driving licences based on vehicle category and purpose:

Learner’s Licence: This is a temporary licence issued to individuals learning how to drive. It is valid for a limited period, typically six months, and allows the holder to practice driving with certain restrictions under supervision.

Permanent Driving Licence: After fulfilling the learner’s period and passing the driving test, an individual can apply for a permanent driving licence. The applicant must be at least 18 years old for private vehicles. For two-wheelers without gear, the minimum age is 16 years.

Commercial Driving Licence: This licence is required to operate commercial or heavy-duty vehicles. Generally, the minimum age for applying is 20 years, although some states permit it from 18. The applicant must also complete specific training from a government-authorized driving school before applying.

Eligibility for a Driving licence in India

Let's dive deeper into the eligibility criteria that one should meet before applying for a driving licence online in India.

Non-Gear vehicles below 50 CC	16 Years with the consent of the parent/guardian
Gear vehicles	18 Years
Commercial Vehicles	20 Years; Education up to 8th standard at least; Received training from the government or from any centre that is affiliated to the government.

Learner's Driving Licence Documents List

Before applying for a permanent licence, applicants must first qualify for the learner’s licence. The following documents are required:

1. Application Form
2. Age Proof
3. Passport-size Photographs
4. Residence Proof
5. Medical Fitness Self-Declaration
6. Medical Certificate (Form 1A)
7. Application Fee

Once documents are verified, applicants must pass a basic eyesight test (e.g., color blindness check) and a 20-minute test that includes 20 objective-type questions.

Tip: At Driving Licence Help, you can access a Driving Licence Guidebook and an AI-based mock test to help you prepare for the exam at the RTO.

Permanent Driving Licence Documents List

After holding a learner’s licence for at least 30 days (valid for 180 days), you can apply for a permanent driving licence. Required documents include:

1. Valid Learner’s Licence
2. Application Fee
3. Age Proof
4. Residence Proof
5. One Passport-size Photograph
6. Form 5 (For Commercial Licence)
7. Vehicle Category Details

Applicants must appear for a practical driving test that evaluates road sense, traffic knowledge, and vehicle control. If unsuccessful, you can reappear after 7 days.

How to Apply for a Driving Licence Online

Follow these steps to apply online through the Parivahan portal:

1. Visit Parivahan
2. Click on “Online Services”
3. Select your state from the dropdown
4. Click on “Driving Licence Related Services”
5. Fill in the required details
6. Upload scanned documents
7. Pay the application fee
8. Book a driving test slot
9. Appear for the driving test

If you pass, your driving licence will be delivered to your registered address.

How to Apply for a Driving Licence Offline

Prefer the offline route? Here's how to apply at your nearest RTO:

1. Download Form 4 from the state transport website
2. Fill out the form and attach required documents
3. Submit at the RTO and pay the application fee
4. Book a driving test slot
5. Appear for the driving test

Upon passing the test, the licence will be issued at the RTO.

Conclusion

Once you turn 18, you're eligible to apply for a driving licence in India. This document is mandatory to drive legally and safely on Indian roads. We hope this comprehensive guide helped you understand the step-by-step process. For further support, feel free to get in touch with us at Driving Licence Help.